From deep affliction I cry out to you,
Lord God, hear my call;
incline your merciful ear here to me
and be open to my prayer!
For if you want to look at this,
what sin and injustice is done,
who can, Lord, remain before you?

With you nothing but your grace and favour counts
in the forgiveness of sins;
our deeds are therefore useless,
even in the best life.
Before you nobody can boast,
but everyone must fear you
and live by your grace.

Therefore I shall hope in God,
not build on my own merit;
on him my heart will rely
and trust in his goodness,
which his precious word promised me,
this is my consolation and faithful refuge,
for this I shall always wait.

And even if it delays through the night
and again in the morning,
yet in God’s might my heart will
not doubt nor be anxious,
act in this way, true race of Israel,
that is produced from the spirit
and wait on God.

Although there is much sin among us,
with God there is much more mercy;
his helping hand has no limit
however great the harm may be.
He is alone the good shepherd
who can free Israel
from all his sins.